Quebec is taking the lead in Canada’s transition to electric buses, aiming to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve its net-zero emissions goal, the Quebec government recently announced a plan to add 1,229 electric buses to its transit network, investing over $1.8 billion. This initiative, carried out in partnership with the federal government, marks North America’s largest electric bus project. The federal government contributed $780 million towards the purchase from Canadian bus manufacturer Nova Bus.
Currently, about 10 percent of the approximately 20,000 public transit buses in service in Canada are fully electric. However, other provinces are also making progress in adopting electric buses. Metro Vancouver, for instance, operates around 2,000 buses, and a proposed consultation paper suggests that 50 percent of new bus purchases between 2026 and 2028 should be zero-emission buses. By 2029, all new bus purchases in Metro Vancouver should be emission-free. British Columbia aims to have 41 percent of transit agency fleets consist of zero-emission vehicles by 2030, with a complete transition to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles by 2040.
Quebec government recently announced a plan to add 1,229 electric buses to its transit network, investing over $1.8 billion to its transit network, investing over $1.8 billion
Ontario, too, is making strides in electric bus deployment. The government introduced two fully electric, zero-emission GO buses in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, home to 10 million people. This move aligns with Ontario’s plan to support electric vehicles, reduce emissions, and expand clean transit options. The province aims to be a global leader in the electric vehicle revolution by building a robust electric vehicle supply chain and getting more electric vehicles on the road.
Transportation in Canada is a significant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, with over 165 million metric tonnes released in 2021 alone. Road transportation accounts for the largest share of transportation emissions. To combat this, Quebec’s significant investment in electric buses aims to reduce emissions. The buses have a lifespan of at least 16 years and can travel more than 300 kilometers on a single charge. Electrifying buses has the potential to improve local air quality, reduce CO2 emissions by 1.4 million tonnes annually, and mitigate health costs associated with diesel exhaust.
To expedite the transition to electric buses, experts recommend implementing policy measures such as a staggered zero-emission vehicle sales standard. By starting with school and transit buses, automakers would be compelled to produce electric buses at a faster pace, leading to a majority of buses being electric by 2030. Additional climate policies, including a zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, would further support Canada’s commitment to reducing emissions.
The federal government has been actively supporting the electrification of public transit nationwide. Over the next five years, it plans to assist in the purchase of 5,000 zero-emission buses. With the majority of Canada’s electricity generated from zero-emission sources, electrifying the transportation sector plays a vital role in achieving climate objectives. The federal government is also investing $2.75 billion through the Zero Emission Transit Fund to aid in the electrification of public transit and school buses, including the development of charging infrastructure and facility upgrades.
By embracing electric buses, Canada can make significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and advancing sustainable transportation options. The initiatives undertaken by Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, and the federal government demonstrate a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
